Transcript Discovering Computers Fundamentals Edition

Purchasing a
Computer
Today
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Things to consider when purchasing a Computer
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The spreadsheet exercise
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Final project
Things to consider when purchasing a computer
1) Hardware – The tangible parts of the computer
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Processing hardware – CPU and RAM must be considered
first!
Input devices –These come standard.
Output devices – Monitor and printer are variable.
Storage devices – hard drive measured by capacity.
Communications – wireless modem most important.
Purchasing computer hardware?
Will it be a …
• PC or MAC?
• Desktop or Mobile computer?
Purchasing computer hardware
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A general rule of thumb is:
– Purchase the most powerful processor you can afford!!!
– Don’t get caught up in the gimmicks
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Evaluate and compare the processor speed
– This is the one thing you will not be able to change later
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Stay with the name brands unless you really know
what you are doing!!
Processor
Complete CPU comparison
Which processor should you select?
 It is a tough decision – there are many to choose from
Intel
Celeron D
Pentium 4
Pentium D
Pentium M
Core 2
Core 2 Duo
p. 139 2 Quad
Core
Budget variety –
single core
Single core
Dual core
Mobile, single
core
Dual core
4 core
AMD
Sempron
Budget variety
Athlon 64
true 64-bit
Athlon 64 FX better
performance
Athlon 64 X2 Dual core
Turion
Mobile
Things to consider when purchasing a computer
2) Software – The instructions
• System software – software the computer needs to
operate itself
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Operating system – Windows Vista is preinstalled.
Utilities – Security software is critical
• Application software – software that makes the
user productive
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Depends on the needs of the user
Software for purchase
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Bundled software
– software that is sold with the computer hardware
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Most computers do NOT come bundled with
all the software you will need
Application software that typical home based users need:
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Web Browser
Word processing
spreadsheet
presentation
Database
DTP
PIM
Email
Web page development
Bookkeeping
Things to consider when purchasing a computer
3) Services
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Warranty
Service agreement
Internet service – Requires hardware, software, an internet
connection (high or slow speed), and an ISP.
Web page service – Requires web host, and domain name
registration and web page creation software, and FTP.
Email – requires an internet connection and email software
Vendor – support, reputation
Terms – Leasing, Return policy, Shipping and handling,
Installation
Which one would you buy?
Computer #1
Computer #2
Class exercise:
1.
Get into your groups
2.
Use a worksheet to compare these two computers
3.
Decide, as a group, which computer you would buy
and why
Use a worksheet to compare computers
BASE COMPONENTS COMPARISON
Co./ Make
Price
Processor
RAM
Printer
Computer 1
Computer 2
Gateway
HP
$900 - $670 w/ rebate
$1330 – $1160 w/ rebate
Intel Pentium D 915
AMD Athelon 64 x2 Dual core 5000+
1 GB
2 GB
Lexmark all-in-one
Hard Disk
250 GB
400 GB
CD/DVD
DVD +R and DVD +/- RW
DVD +R and DVD +/- RW
Operating
System
Vista Home Premium
Vista Home Premium
Complete CPU comparison
The Final Project